Dishwasher in the form of a commercial utensil washer or dishwasher which is designed as a batch dishwasher

Abstract

A dishwasher (1) in the form of a commercial utensil washer or dishwasher which is designed as a batch dishwasher and is realized as a hood-type dishwasher, wherein the dishwasher (1) has a treatment chamber (2) with at least one wash system which is designed as a recirculation system, wherein the treatment chamber (2) has a first treatment zone (6) and at least one further, second treatment zone (7), wherein items of washware can be treated independently of one another and at least temporarily at the same time in the first and in the at least one second treatment zone (6, 7).

Claims

1. A hood-type dishwasher, wherein the dishwasher has a treatment chamber with at least one recirculating wash system, wherein the treatment chamber has a first treatment zone and a second treatment zone, wherein items of washware can be treated independently of one another and at least temporarily at the same time in the first and the second treatment zone, wherein the at least one recirculating wash system has a nozzle system with at least one wash nozzle for spraying wash liquid onto washware which is accommodated in the first treatment zone and at least one wash nozzle for spraying wash liquid onto washware which is accommodated in the second treatment zone.

2. The dishwasher as claimed in claim 1, wherein the nozzle system has at least one first wash arm which is associated with the first treatment zone, and has at least one second wash arm which is associated with the second treatment zone.

3. The dishwasher as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dishwasher has a common wash tank for collecting at least some of the wash liquid which is sprayed by the nozzle system in the first treatment zone and the second treatment zone.

4. The dishwasher as claimed in claim 3, wherein the nozzle system has a common wash arm which is associated with the first and the second treatment zone jointly.

5. The dishwasher as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one wash system is a wash system which is common to the treatment zones, and has a common wash pump for supplying wash liquid, which is collected in the common wash tank, to the nozzle system.

6. The dishwasher as claimed in claim 1, wherein a final rinse system with at least one final rinse pump and with a final rinse nozzle system which is arranged in the treatment chamber is also provided in order to spray final rinse liquid in the treatment chamber during a final rinse phase.

7. The dishwasher as claimed in claim 6, wherein the final rinse system is a final rinse system which is separate in respect of the first treatment zone and the second treatment zon, and has a final rinse pump for the first treatment zone and a final rinse pump for the second treatment zone for independently supplying final rinse liquid to corresponding final rinse nozzles in the first treatment zone and the second treatment zone.

8. The dishwasher as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dishwasher has a final rinse system for spraying final rinse liquid in the treatment chamber as required, and wherein the dishwasher also has a control device for actuating the at least one wash system and/or the final rinse system, wherein the control device is configured to actuate the at least one wash system in such a way that the wash cycle of each treatment cycle in the first treatment zone is uninterrupted, while the wash cycle of a single treatment cycle in the second treatment zone is intermittent.

9. The dishwasher as claimed in claim 8, wherein the control device is also configured to actuate the at least one wash system in such a way that wash liquid is always sprayed at the same time in the first and in the second treatment zone.

10. The dishwasher as claimed in claim 8, wherein the control device is configured to actuate the at least one final rinse system in such a way that, in the second treatment zone, a final rinse cycle always takes place simultaneously or at least so as to overlap with a final rinse cycle in the first treatment zone.

11. The dishwasher as claimed in claim 8, wherein the control device is also configured to actuate the at least one wash system in such a way that the duration of a wash cycle of a single treatment cycle in the second treatment zone matches the total duration of multiple wash cycles of multiple treatment cycles in the first treatment zone.

12. The dishwasher as claimed in claim 8, wherein the control device is also configured to actuate the at least one wash system in such a way that the duration of a wash cycle of a single treatment cycle in the second treatment zone is an integer multiple of the duration of one wash cycle in the first treatment zone.

13. The dishwasher as claimed in claim 8, wherein the control device is also configured to actuate the at least one wash system and/or the at least one final rinse system in such a way that a wash cycle in the second treatment zone is interrupted automatically when at least one of the following conditions is met: a final rinse cycle is taking place in the first treatment zone; and/or the first treatment zone is open or is not closed; and/or the second treatment zone is open or is not closed.

14. The dishwasher as claimed in claim 8, wherein the control device is also configured to actuate the at least one wash system in such a way that, during a wash cycle: the temperature of the wash liquid which is sprayed in the first treatment zone is different from the temperature of the wash liquid which is sprayed in the second treatment zone; and/or the nozzle pressure of the wash liquid which is sprayed in the first treatment zone is different from the nozzle pressure of the wash liquid which is sprayed in the second treatment zone; and/or the quantity of wash liquid which is sprayed in the first treatment zone per unit time is different from the quantity of wash liquid which is sprayed in the second treatment zone per unit time; and/or the concentration of detergent in the wash liquid which is sprayed in the first treatment zone is different from the concentration of detergent in the wash liquid which is sprayed in the second treatment zone.

15. A method for operating a commercial dishwasher having a treatment chamber which is divided into a first treatment zone and a second treatment zone, wherein the method comprises the following method steps: wash liquid is sprayed at the same time in the first treatment zone and in the second treatment zone until the wash cycle in the first treatment zone is complete; after the wash cycle in the first treatment zone is complete, the wash cycle of the second treatment zone is interrupted and final rinse liquid is sprayed in the first treatment zone; and spraying of wash liquid in the second treatment zone is resumed only when a further wash cycle is started in the first treatment zone.

16. A dishwasher, comprising: a treatment chamber with a wash system which is configured as a recirculation system, wherein the treatment chamber includes a first treatment zone and a second treatment zone, wherein the first treatment zone is arranged above the second treatment zone, wherein the wash system includes a single wash tank below the second treatment zone, first wash nozzles oriented to spray into the first treatment zone, second wash nozzles oriented to spray into the second treatment zone and at least one wash pump for delivering wash liquid from the single wash tank to the first wash nozzles and the second wash nozzles, wherein wash liquid sprayed into the first treatment zone falls into the single wash tank for recirculation and wash liquid sprayed into the second treatment zone falls into the single wash tank for recirculation; a first door for providing access to the first treatment zone, wherein the first door is movable (i) vertically upward to move from a closed position to an open position relative to the first treatment zone and (ii) vertically downward to move from the open position to the closed position relative to the first treatment zone; a second door for providing access to the second treatment zone, wherein the second door is movable (i) pivotally downward to move from a closed position to an open position relative to the second treatment zone and (ii) pivotally upward to move from the open position to the closed position relative to the second treatment zone; and a final rinse system including first rinse nozzles oriented to spray into the first treatment zone, second rinse nozzles oriented to spray into the second treatment zone and at least one final rinse pump for delivering final rinse liquid to the first rinse nozzles and the second rinse nozzles.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention will be described in greater detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments which are illustrated in the drawings.

(2) In the drawings:

(3) FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of a batch dishwasher, which is realized as a hood-type dishwasher, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

(4) FIG. 1B shows a front view of the embodiment which is shown in FIG. 1A;

(5) FIG. 2 schematically shows a batch dishwasher, which is realized as a hood-type dishwasher, according to a further embodiment of the invention;

(6) FIG. 3 schematically shows a batch dishwasher, which is realized as a hood-type dishwasher, according to a further embodiment of the invention;

(7) FIG. 4 schematically shows a hydraulics diagram of a wash system of a dishwasher, which is designed as a batch dishwasher, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

(8) FIG. 5 schematically shows a hydraulics diagram of a wash system of a dishwasher, which is designed as a batch dishwasher, according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

(9) FIG. 6 schematically shows a hydraulics diagram of a wash system of a dishwasher, which is designed as a batch dishwasher, according to a further embodiment of the present invention; and

(10) FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a user interface for the dishwasher according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(11) The invention relates to commercial dishwashers, in particular dishwashers or utensil washers, in the form of a batch dishwasher. In particular, the present invention relates to batch dishwashers which are realized as hood-type dishwashers.

(12) A commercial dishwasher 1, which is realized as a batch dishwasher, usually has a program control device (also designated “control device 100” in the present document) for controlling at least one cleaning program, and has a treatment chamber 2, which can be closed by at least one door 9 and/or at least one hood 8, in a machine housing for accommodating washware, such as crockery, cutlery, pots, pans, trays and glasses for example, which is to be cleaned.

(13) As can be seen in the illustrations in FIGS. 2 and 3 in particular, it is advantageous from an ergonomical perspective for a batch dishwasher, which is realized as a hood-type dishwasher 1, to be equipped with a respective table (entry table 3, exit table 4) at its entry end and exit end. The racks 5 which are loaded with dirty washware can therefore be pushed into the dishwasher 1 at the entry table 3. After the washware is treated in the treatment chamber 2 of the dishwasher 1, the rack 5 containing the now cleaned washware is moved out of the machine 1 onto the exit table 4.

(14) The action time, that is to say the time during which cleaning liquid or wash liquid wets the washware within the treatment chamber 2, depends, in particular, on the duration of the wash phase, which duration is defined by means of the treatment program. For normally soiled washware, such as plates, trays, cups and glasses, a cleaning cycle comprising a wash phase and a subsequent final rinse phase generally requires between 50 and 100 seconds. However, longer treatment of the washware may be necessary, in particular when said washware exhibits a high level of soiling, or when dirt is burnt onto the washware. Extension of the total treatment time to up to 400 seconds is often required in this case. Owing to the extended action time, the washware which is to be cleaned is subjected to intensive treatment, so that heavily soiled washware can also be effectively cleaned.

(15) In order to ensure that the cleaning capacity of the dishwasher 1, that is to say the units of washware/washware racks 5 which can theoretically be processed by the machine 1 per unit time, is not negatively influenced in spite of an intensive treatment, provision is made according to the invention for the treatment chamber 2 of the dishwasher 1, which is designed as a batch dishwasher, to be divided into at least two treatment zones 6, 7, wherein the at least two treatment zones 6, 7 are realized such that the washware can be treated in the individual treatment zones 6, 7 independently of one another.

(16) Even though the exemplary embodiments of the dishwasher 1 according to the invention which are illustrated in the drawings are each realized with exactly two treatment zones 6, 7, this should not be regarded as being restrictive. Rather, it goes without saying that it is also feasible for the treatment chamber 2 of the dishwasher 1 according to the invention to be divided into more than two zones.

(17) As illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B for example, one exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to a hood-type dishwasher 1 which is distinguished, in particular, in that, in addition to the usually provided (main) treatment zone 6, a further treatment zone 7 which is arranged beneath said treatment zone 6 is provided. The upper main treatment zone 6, which is also designated “first treatment zone” in the present document, is designed to accommodate a dish rack 5 which may be loaded with the washware which is to be treated.

(18) To this end, the base area of the first treatment zone or main treatment zone 6 has dimensions which match the base area of a dish rack 5, and in particular has a base area of 600 mm×500 mm, 500 mm×500 mm or 400 mm×400 mm.

(19) Furthermore, the main treatment zone 6 is designed such that the dish rack 5 can be pushed directly into the treatment zones 6 of the hood-type dishwasher 1 from an entry table 3 (not illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B). In other words, the wash level 6a of the main treatment zone 6 is aligned with the table height of the entry table 3 in the horizontal direction.

(20) In the dishwasher 1 which is shown in FIG. 1B, the height of the horizontal wash level 6a of the first treatment zone 6 can, in particular, be variably adjusted and is preferably 800 mm to 900 mm, and preferably 830 mm to 890 mm. The height of the horizontal wash level 6a of the first treatment zone 6 is adjusted, for example, by means of vertically adjustable feet of the machine.

(21) An exit table 4 is also preferably provided, wherein the table height of the exit table 4 is likewise horizontally aligned with the wash level 6a of the main treatment zone 6, so that the dish rack 5 can be pushed directly onto the exit table 4 after treatment in the main treatment zone 6.

(22) As already indicated, a further treatment zone 7 is realized beneath the main treatment zone 6. This further treatment zone 7, which is also designated “second treatment zone” or “auxiliary treatment zone” in the present document, serves, in particular, for cleaning washware which requires a longer action time in comparison to the washware which is to be cleaned in the first treatment zone 6.

(23) In the exemplary embodiment which is illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the second treatment zone 7 is likewise designed to accommodate a dish rack 5, wherein the washware which is to be treated in the further treatment zone 7 is accommodated in the dish rack 5.

(24) Specifically, the dimensions and cleaning capacity of the main treatment zone (first treatment zone 6) and the dimensions and cleaning capacity of the auxiliary treatment zone (second treatment zone 7) are preferably matched to the types of washware (such as crockery, cutlery, glasses and pots for example) which are to be cleaned and usually accumulate in sculleries, the quantity of washware which is to be cleaned and usually accumulates per unit time, depending on the type of washware, and/or to the degree of soiling of the washware which accumulates per unit time, in such a way that all of the washware which accumulates can be cleaned as far as possible without a delay even during peak times during operation of the dishwasher 1.

(25) Therefore, in the embodiment of the dishwasher 1 according to the invention which is shown in FIG. 1B, provision is made for the first treatment zone 6 to have a loading volume which can be effectively used for cleaning washware and is 2 to 4 times greater than the loading volume of the second treatment zone 7 which can be effectively used. Specifically, the loading volume of the first treatment zone 6 which can be effectively used is between 60 and 180 liters, and preferably between 80 and 150 liters, and further preferably is approximately 120 liters, while the loading volume of the second treatment zone 7 which can be effectively used is between 25 and 75 liters, and preferably between 30 and 50 liters. This ensures that heavily soiled washware can also be promptly effectively cleaned even at peak times in sculleries.

(26) As illustrated, in the exemplary embodiment of the invention which is schematically illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, provision is made for washware to be loaded into and unloaded from the two treatment zones 6, 7 independently of one another. Specifically, washware can be loaded into or unloaded from the first treatment zone 6 via an opening which can be closed by a hood 8 which can move in the vertical direction. The movement travel of the hood 8 is at least 300 mm, preferably at least 400 mm, while the first treatment zone 6 has a height, which is effective for cleaning washware, of at least 400 mm.

(27) Secondly, the second treatment zone 7 has a height, which is effective for cleaning washware, of at least 120 mm, and preferably of at least 150 mm, and therefore cutlery which is accommodated in cutlery racks can also be cleaned in this treatment zone 7.

(28) In addition to this, the second treatment zone 7 has a dedicated opening which can be closed and via which washware can be loaded into or unloaded from said treatment zone 7.

(29) In the exemplary embodiment which is illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, provision is made, in particular, for the second treatment zone 7 to have a dedicated opening which can be closed by means of a door 9 that can be pivoted about a horizontal pivot axis and via which opening washware can be loaded into and unloaded from the second treatment zone 7.

(30) In this case, it is advantageous, in particular, for the door 9 which can be pivoted about a horizontal pivot axis to be designed in such a way that said door, when it is in its open state, is horizontally aligned with the wash level 7a of the further treatment zone 7. In this way, the door 9, in its open state, serves simultaneously as a loading and unloading aid for inserting and, respectively, removing the washware into/from the dish rack 5.

(31) Like the height of the horizontal wash level 6a of the first treatment zone 6, the height of the horizontal wash level 7a of the second treatment zone 7 can be variably adjusted, and is preferably 350 mm to 600 mm, and further preferably 500 mm to 600 mm (measured from the floor of the room in which it is installed).

(32) FIG. 2 shows the exemplary embodiment of the dishwasher 1 according to the invention in line with FIGS. 1A and 1B in a configuration in which the dishwasher 1 is equipped with entry and exit tables 3, 4. Specifically, the dirty washware is usually manually pre-cleared and manually pre-washed at the entry end of the dishwasher 1. Furthermore, the dirty washware can be loaded into special dish racks 5 here.

(33) The exit end is used for drying purposes and unloading the dish racks. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the wash level 6a of the main treatment zone 6 is at the same height as the entry and exit tables 3, 4. In this way, the dish racks 5 which are to be cleaned can be easily and ergonomically pushed into the main treatment zone 6 of the hood-type dishwasher 1 from the entry table 3 and, after cleaning is complete, pushed out of the dishwasher 1 onto the exit table 4.

(34) As can be seen, in particular, in the schematic illustration in FIG. 3, the present invention is not restricted to the additional treatment zone 7 being arranged beneath the main treatment zone 6. Rather, it goes without saying that it is also feasible for the additional treatment zone 7 to be arranged next to the main treatment zone 6 or above the main treatment zone 6.

(35) In respect of the embodiments of the dishwasher 1 according to the invention which are shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, it should be noted that said dishwasher has, in the closed state of the treatment zones 6, 7, a width of between 500 mm and 800 mm, and preferably of between 600 mm and 800 mm, a depth of between 700 mm and 900 mm, and preferably of between 750 mm and 850 mm, and a height of between 1350 mm and 1600 mm, and preferably of between 1400 mm and 1550 mm. In other words, the external dimensions of the dishwasher 1 according to the invention are comparable with those of a conventional machine of the same type which, however, has only a single treatment zone, wherein the machine capacity is increased, along with a relatively reduced consumption of resources, using the dishwasher according to the invention.

(36) In order to clean, for example, the washware which accumulates in the case of a total of 150 meals, a conventional dishwasher, which however has only a single treatment zone, requires a total of 67 minutes and a fresh water consumption of 100 liters and an energy consumption of 2.9 kWh (with a standard treatment program).

(37) Using the dishwasher 1 according to the invention however, the treatment duration can be reduced to less than 50 minutes, specifically with a fresh water consumption of 72.5 liters and an energy consumption of 2.1 kWh.

(38) The manner of operation of different wash/final rinse systems which can be used, for example, in a dishwasher 1 according to the present invention which is designed as a batch dishwasher is described below with reference to the illustrations in FIGS. 4 to 6.

(39) Although it is feasible, in principle, to equip the dishwasher 1 according to the present invention with several wash tanks, wherein each wash tank is associated with a treatment zone 6, 7, provision is made in the preferred exemplary embodiments of the solution according to the invention which are illustrated in the drawings for the dishwasher 1 to in each case have only a single wash tank 12 which is associated with the (single) treatment chamber 2 and therefore with the individual treatment zones 6, 7 of the (single) treatment chamber 2 jointly.

(40) The wash tank 12 preferably has a capacity of 20 to 40 liters, preferably 25 to 35 liters. This capacity is firstly sufficient for the simultaneous final rinse operation in the two treatment zones 6, 7. Secondly, the tank 12 is selected to be so small that, as before, it can be accommodated in the reduced—in comparison to a conventional machine which however has only a single treatment zone—installation space in the machine housing.

(41) As illustrated in the hydraulics diagrams according to FIGS. 4 to 6, the (single) wash tank 12 is located beneath the treatment chamber 2 of the machine 1 and serves to receive liquid which is sprayed in the respective treatment zones 6, 7 of the treatment chamber 2. As already indicated, provision is made in the embodiments illustrated in the drawings for the treatment chamber 2 of the dishwasher 1 to be divided into a total of two treatment zones 6, 7, specifically into a main treatment zone 6 and an additional treatment zone 7. A common wash system is associated with the treatment zones 6, 7 which are integrated within the (single) treatment chamber 2.

(42) In the hydraulics diagram which is illustrated in FIG. 4, the wash system has a (common) wash pump 13 with which wash liquid can be conveyed from the wash tank 12, through a wash liquid line system, to corresponding wash nozzles 11.1, 11.2.

(43) In the embodiment which is schematically illustrated in FIG. 4, the wash nozzles 11.1, 11.2 are integrated into corresponding wash arms 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4. In this case, provision is made for a first nozzle arrangement comprising an upper wash arm 10.1 and a lower wash arm 10.2 to be associated with the upper (main) treatment zone 6. A further nozzle arrangement, which likewise has an upper wash arm 10.3 and a lower wash arm 10.4, is associated with the lower (additional) treatment zone 7.

(44) In the hydraulics diagram which is shown in FIG. 4, the lower wash arm 10.2 of the main treatment zone 6 and the upper wash arm 10.3 of the additional treatment zone 7 are realized as a common wash arm. In other words, a single wash arm 10.2, 10.3 which has a double function is used in this exemplary embodiment: said common wash arm serves as a lower wash arm of the (upper) main treatment zone 6 and, at the same time, as an upper wash arm of the (lower) additional treatment zone 7. To this end, the common wash arm has wash nozzles 11.1 which are oriented in the direction of the (upper) main treatment zone 6, and wash nozzles 11.2 which are oriented in the direction of the (lower) additional treatment zone 7.

(45) It goes without saying that the present invention is not restricted to this aspect. As can be seen in the hydraulics diagram according to FIG. 5, it is also feasible for a common wash arm to not be used, and therefore for separate wash arms 10.1-10.4 to be associated with each individual treatment zone 6, 7.

(46) The wash nozzles 11.1, 11.2 which are integrated into the corresponding wash arms 10.1-10.4 are each directed toward the correspondingly associated treatment zone 6, 7 in the treatment chamber 2 and serve for spraying wash liquid, which is conveyed by the common wash pump 13, onto the washware which is to be cleaned and is arranged in the treatment zones 6, 7 in question.

(47) The sprayed wash liquid falls back into the wash tank 12 due to the force of gravity. As a result, the wash tank 12, the wash pump 13, the wash liquid system 16 and the wash nozzles 11 form a wash liquid circuit together with the treatment zones 6, 7 of the treatment chamber 2. The wash liquid line system 16 connects the delivery end of the wash pump 13 to the wash nozzles 11.1, 11.2.

(48) Also provided is a final rinse system for conveying final rinse liquid through a final rinse line system 17 to final rinse nozzles 15.1, 15.2, which are directed toward the region of the washware which is to be cleaned in the treatment chamber 2, by means of a final rinse pump 14. The sprayed final rinse liquid falls into the wash tank 12 from the treatment chamber 2 due to the force of gravity. The final rinse liquid system 17 connects the delivery end of the final rinse pump 14 to the final rinse nozzles 15.1, 15.2.

(49) As already stated, the wash nozzles 11.1, 11.2 and the final rinse nozzles 15.1, 15.2 can be arranged in the regions above and/or below and, if desired, also to the sides of the treatment zones 6, 7 in question within the treatment chamber 2 and each be directed toward the region in which the washware is positioned in the corresponding treatment zone.

(50) Each treatment zone 6, 7 is preferably provided with a large number of wash nozzles 11.1 and 11.2 on at least one upper wash arm 10.1 and 10.3, a large number of wash nozzles 11.1 and 11.2 on a lower wash arm 10.2 and 10.4, a large number of final rinse nozzles 15.1 and 15.2 on at least one upper final rinse arm 18.1 and 18.3, and a large number of final rinse nozzles 15.1 and 15.2 on at least one lower final rinse arm 18.2 and 18.4. As already stated, the lower wash arm 10.2 of the upper main treatment zone 6 and the upper wash arm 10.3 of the lower additional treatment zone 7 can be designed as a common wash arm in this case (cf. FIG. 4). This also applies for the corresponding final rinse arms 18.2, 18.3.

(51) However, as an alternative to this, it is equally feasible for each of the at least two treatment zones 6, 7 to be provided with separate wash and final rinse arms 10.1-10.4 and 18.1-18.4, as is indicated in the hydraulics diagram according to FIG. 5.

(52) Before final rinse liquid is sprayed during the final rinse phase, a quantity of wash liquid which corresponds to the final rinse liquid is in each case pumped out of the wash tank 12 by means of a discharge pump (not illustrated in the drawings), the intake end of said discharge pump being connected to a sump of the wash tank 12 via a discharge line. If the wash tank 12 is empty before the dishwasher 1, which is designed as a batch dishwasher, is first started, said wash tank first has to be filled with fresh water via a fresh water line (not shown) or with fresh water or another final rinse liquid or wash liquid by means of the final rinse system and the final rinse pump 14 of said final rinse system.

(53) The final rinse liquid may be fresh water or fresh water which is mixed with rinse aid. The wash liquid on the other hand contains detergent which is preferably automatically added in a metered manner to the liquid which is contained in the wash tank 12 by a detergent metering apparatus (not shown). The abovementioned program control device controls the wash pumps 13, the final rinse pump 14, the discharge pump and the detergent solution pump (not shown) depending on the cleaning program in each case selected on the program control device by an operator. At least one cleaning program is provided; a plurality of cleaning programs which can be selectively chosen are preferably provided.

(54) It can be seen from the hydraulics diagrams illustrated in the drawings that a final rinse pump 14, by way of its intake end, is also connected to an outlet of a boiler 22. The boiler 22 further has an inlet which is connected to a fresh water supply line 30 via which fresh water or fresh water to which rinse aid has been added in a metered manner is supplied to the boiler 22. In the boiler 22, the liquid (pure fresh water or fresh water to which rinse aid has been added in a metered manner) which is supplied via the inlet is heated up as prescribed by a process sequence. The final rinse liquid which is heated up in the boiler 22 can be supplied to the final rinse nozzles 15.1 and 15.2 by means of the final rinse line system 17 for example during a fresh water final rinse phase by means of the final rinse pump 14 which, by way of its intake end, is connected to the boiler outlet. The final rinse nozzles 15.1 and 15.2 are arranged in the treatment zones 6, 7 of the treatment chamber 2 in order to spray the final rinse liquid, which is heated up in the boiler 22, onto the washware in the corresponding treatment zone 6, 7 of the treatment chamber 2. It goes without saying that it is also feasible for pure fresh water to be supplied to the boiler 22 via the inlet in the fresh water supply line 30, a rinse aid being added in a metered manner to said pure fresh water after it is heated in the boiler 22.

(55) In this connection, it is also feasible for the final rinse system to have a preferably electrically operated steam generator which can be integrated into the boiler 22 for example. In this case, a corresponding steam outlet of the steam generator can be formed at the upper region of the boiler 22 (not illustrated in the drawings). The steam outlet of the steam generator can be connected to the treatment chamber via a steam line at a point which is situated above the wash tank, in order to introduce the steam which is generated in the steam generator into said treatment chamber as required. It goes without saying, however, that other positions are also possible.

(56) A heater 47 is located in the boiler 22 which, according to some embodiments of the invention, serves not only to heat the final rinse liquid but also to generate steam if required. A level sensor which controls, for example, a valve 49 of the fresh water line 30 can also be arranged in or on the boiler 22.

(57) It can also be seen with reference to the hydraulics diagram illustrated in FIG. 6 that a dedicated wash system and a dedicated final rinse system can also be associated with each individual treatment zone 6, 7. In contrast to the embodiments which are shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a dedicated wash pump 13.1 and a dedicated wash liquid system 16.1 and also a dedicated final rinse pump 14.1 with a dedicated final rinse line system 17.1 are associated with the treatment zone 6 in this case. In the same way, a dedicated wash pump 13.2 and a dedicated wash liquid system 16.2 and also a dedicated final rinse pump 14.2 with a dedicated final rinse line system 17.2 are associated with the treatment zone 7. In this case, the wash pumps 13.1, 13.2 and the final rinse pumps 14.1, 14.2 can be actuated independently of one another by a control device, not shown, so that different treatment programs can be realized in the respective treatment zones independently of one another.

(58) Specifically, the control device 100 which is schematically indicated in FIGS. 4 to 6 serves to actuate the corresponding components, which can be actuated, of the wash and/or final rinse system of the dishwasher 1. In particular, the control device 100 is designed to actuate the preferably common wash pump 13 of the wash system in such a way that the wash cycle of each treatment cycle in the first treatment zone 6 is interrupted, while the wash cycle of a single treatment cycle in the second treatment zone 7 is intermittent.

(59) Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiments of the dishwasher 1 according to the invention which are illustrated in the drawings, the control device 100 is also designed to actuate the preferably common wash pump 13 in such a way that wash liquid is always sprayed at the same time in the first and in the second treatment zone 6, 7.

(60) In respect of the final rinse system of the dishwasher 1, the control device 100 is designed to actuate the two final rinse pumps 14.1, 14.2 in such a way that, in the second treatment zone 7, a final rinse cycle always takes place simultaneously or at least so as to overlap with a final rinse cycle in the first treatment zone 6.

(61) In this case, it is advantageous when the control device 100 is also designed to actuate the preferably common wash pump 13 in such a way that the duration of a wash cycle of a single treatment cycle in the second treatment zone 7 matches the total duration of the wash cycles of a large number of treatment cycles in the first treatment zone 6. In particular, it is feasible in this connection for the control device 100 to actuate the preferably common wash pump 13 in such a way that the duration of a wash cycle of a single treatment cycle in the second treatment zone 7 is an integer multiple of the duration of one wash cycle in the first treatment zone 6.

(62) In principle, provision is made in the embodiments of the dishwasher 1 according to the invention which are illustrated in the drawings for the control device 100 to be designed to actuate the at least one wash system and/or the at least one final rinse system in such a way that a wash cycle in the second treatment zone 7 is interrupted automatically, preferably selectively automatically, when at least one of the following conditions is met: a final rinse cycle is taking place in the first treatment zone 6; and/or the first treatment zone 6 is open or is not closed, it being possible for this to be detected by means of a corresponding sensor for example; and/or the second treatment zone 7 is open or is not closed, it being possible for this to likewise be detected by means of a corresponding sensor for example.

(63) The wash system and/or final rinse system are preferably automatically actuated. In other words, the at least one wash and/or final rinse system is preferably actuated in accordance with a predefined program sequence, wherein at least one predefined program sequence for the first treatment zone 6 and/or the at least one second treatment zone 7 is stored in the control device 100. A large number of predefined program sequences for the first treatment zone 6 and/or the at least one second treatment zone 7 are preferably stored in the control device 100.

(64) In this connection, it is feasible for at least one program sequence group containing a defined program sequence for the first treatment zone 6 and a defined program sequence for the at least one second treatment zone 7 to be stored in the control device 100. In this case, a program sequence from the large number of predefined program sequences for the first treatment zone 6 and, independently of this, a program sequence from the large number of predefined program sequences for the at least one second treatment zone 7, or a predefined program sequence group, can be selectively chosen by the operator of the dishwasher 1.

(65) At least one program sequence group containing a defined program sequence for the first treatment zone 6 and containing a defined program sequence for the at least one second treatment zone 7 is advantageously stored in the control device 100, and wherein the program sequences of the program sequence group are chosen depending on at least one of the factors listed below: a quantity of washware which preferably accumulates per unit time in a standard situation; and/or the different types of washware which preferably accumulate per unit time in a standard situation; and/or a degree of soiling of the washware which preferably occurs in a standard situation.

(66) It is also preferred for at least one program sequence group containing a defined program sequence for the first treatment zone 6 and a defined program sequence for the at least one second treatment zone 7 to be stored in the control device 100, wherein the program sequence group has a program sequence for the first treatment zone 6, the duration of a wash cycle of the first treatment zone being 40 to 70 seconds, 70 to 120 seconds or 2 to 5 minutes in accordance with said program sequence, and wherein the program sequence group has a program sequence for the at least one second treatment zone 7, the duration of a wash cycle in the second treatment zone 7 being identical to the duration of a wash cycle in the first treatment zone 6 in accordance with said program sequence.

(67) Secondly, it is preferred for at least one program sequence group containing a defined program sequence for the first treatment zone 6 and a defined program sequence for the at least one second treatment zone 7 to be stored in the control device 100, wherein the program sequence group has a program sequence for the first treatment zone 6, the duration of a wash cycle in the first treatment zone being 40 to 70 seconds, 70 to 120 seconds or 2 to 5 minutes in accordance with said program sequence, and wherein the program sequence group has a program sequence for the at least one second treatment zone 7, the duration of a wash cycle in the second treatment zone being 40 to 70 seconds, 70 to 120 seconds or 4 to 10 minutes in accordance with said program sequence.

(68) An exemplary embodiment of a user interface 110 is described below with reference to the illustration in FIG. 7, it being possible for an operator of the dishwasher 1 according to the invention to choose at least one treatment program or corresponding treatment parameters for the first and/or second treatment zone 6, 7 via said user interface.

(69) Specifically, the embodiment of the user interface 110 which is illustrated in FIG. 7 is realized as a common user interface for both treatment zones 6, 7 of the dishwasher 1. As can be seen from the illustrations in FIGS. 1 to 4, this common user interface 110 is arranged in the upper region of the movable hood 8.

(70) It goes without saying that the present invention is not restricted to embodiments in which a common user interface 110 is used for all of the treatment zones 6, 7 of the dishwasher 1. In particular, it is feasible for a user interface to be provided in each case for the first and at least one second treatment zones 6, 7. In this case, it would be possible to arrange the user interface 110 for the first treatment zone 6 in the upper region of the hood 8, and to arrange the user interface 110 for the at least one second treatment zone 7 above the door 9 which is realized separately from the hood 8.

(71) As indicated in FIG. 7, the user interface 110 is designed to provide information relating to a system state of the dishwasher 1. In the illustration in FIG. 7, this is performed in an optical manner by means of a corresponding information area 113.

(72) Furthermore, the user interface 110 is provided with an input area 111 in order to allow the operator to manually intervene in a treatment cycle of the first treatment zone 6 and/or in a treatment cycle of the at least one second treatment zone 7.

(73) In particular, the user interface 110 which is schematically illustrated in FIG. 7 is provided with a first input area 114, which can be manually operated, in order to start and, respectively, complete a treatment cycle in the first and/or at least one second treatment zone 7, and with a second input area 111, which is realized separately from the first input area 114, in order to retrieve information relating to a system state of the dishwasher 1 and/or in order to intervene in a treatment cycle of the first and/or at least one second treatment zone 7, and/or in order to call up and/or choose program parameters for the first and/or at least one second treatment zone 7.

(74) Accordingly, in summary, it is clear that the solution according to the invention provides at least one additional treatment zone 7, specifically in particular for washware, such as cutlery or GN containers, which is generally heavily soiled and therefore requires a longer dishwashing duration. In this way, the wash performance can be improved by extending the program duration of the additional treatment zone 7, specifically in such a way, as is necessary for the type of washware which is to be treated in this treatment zone 7, that a satisfactory dishwashing result is ensured. In addition to this, the capacity of the main wash zone 6 is not negatively influenced, that is to say not reduced, despite the use of the intensive program in the additional treatment zone 7.

(75) By way of example, five racks can be treated by the main treatment zone 6 using a standard treatment program, while one rack can additionally be treated at the same time, that is to say in parallel, in the lower or additional treatment zone 7 using an intensive treatment program.

(76) Therefore, the previously existing treatment zone 6 can be operated without a loss of capacity for the washware with a normal level of soiling in comparison to current machines, specifically with simultaneous improvement in the wash result for heavily soiled washware, since said heavily soiled washware can be cleaned in parallel in the additional treatment zone 7, for example using a special intensive treatment program.

(77) The invention is not restricted to the exemplary embodiments which are illustrated purely by way of example in the drawings, but rather can be gathered by looking at all of the features and aspects disclosed in said exemplary embodiments together.